Harold Davis, 91, born November 10, 1927 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away January 6, 2019 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Harold went to school in Cheyenne while living on the Davis homestead ranch near Buford, Wyoming. After graduation in 1948 he worked as a steam fitter for the UPRR and helped repairing the steam engine Big Boy. During WWII he delivered stock to Cheyenne stores and Ft. Warren.
Harold married Mildred June Scott May 28, 1950. They had three sons and one daughter (who died at birth). After working on ranches, they moved to Laramie in 1956. In 1962 they bought the Pine Bar in Albany and shortly after sold it and moved to Fox Creek Road. Harold started as a seasonal for the United States Forest Service in 1959 and worked as a recreation technician and fire fighter. In 1971 he got on with the USFS permanently until his retirement in 1988. Harold also held part time jobs at WYDOT and Snowy Range Ski Area.
Over the years Harold was active in Moose, Snowy Range Lions Club, 4-H and FFA. In 1972 Harold joined Centennial Valley VFD. He was chief of CVVFD from 1976 to 1996. In 2012 he retired from CVVFD after 40 years of service to the Centennial Valley community and Albany County.
Harold is survived by sons; Tom (Phyllis) and Scott (Kathy), Daughter Abby Davis. Grand Children Heather (Jason) Curry, Mathew Davis, Lauriel (Casey) Stephens, Sean (Kodi) Davis, Heidi (Benny) March, and Logan (Hope) Davis. He is also survived by brother in law Bob (Joan) Marr, Ray (Patsie) Bartley, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by wife Mildred (Scott) Davis, parents Archie and Twilla (Davis) Donhue, sisters Joan Marr and Patsie Bartley, daughter Susan Davis
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Centennial Valley Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Harold’s name to Centennial Valley VFD Auxiliary, PO Box 231 Centennial WY 82055
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. May find comfort in your many memories together and in God and his word the Bible. God wants us to pray to him during these times of grief and sadness so he can comfort us. (Psalms 50:15/2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
It's been more than 40 years ago that I first met Harold Davis. I had applied with the US Forest Service as a seasonal worker, hoping & anxious that I might be chosen for any kind of job just to work in the forest, & when no word came, I was told to "check with Harold". I jumped on my Kawasaki dirt bike & rode up hiway 130 to find Harold digging a post hole near the old forest service visitor center. A man of few words he spoke briefly, said he hadn't heard results, turned around & continued digging the post hole. I thought he was a crabby old man. Little did I realize that day that I would come to love this crabby old man & build a friendship that lasted through years of summers. I thought Harold could do anything -- fight fires, build structures, & repair just about anything. He was the consummate teacher. And he made--me--work. I was green & learning came fast -- he taught me how to fix a broken underground water pipe at Lake Owen with just a Smokey Bear balloon AFTER I dug the hole to get to it, repair a broken-down generator at Rob Roy, fix my own flat tire alone in the middle of nowhere, wear my uniform badge on the left breast (not the right Bobbi), dig a post hole, handle tools, clean a firepit, put up a sign, collect garbage, & clean toilets without complaint. And that was just the first day! Through the years I grew to admire this champion of a man @ understand why coworkers & head rangers respected & sought advice from him. He was a hard worker, knew the forest like the back of his hand, was a fair boss with a good sense of humor & had a ready chuckle (& sometimes groan) at the variety of dumb stunts some of seasonals stumbled into. I cringed when I once had to drag a brand new but blown-out & totally shredded pickup tire to him & admit that yes, I heard the bang but thought it was a gunshot -- then continued to drive 75 more miles on bumpy back-country forest roads back to base. THAT was the beginning of our "you're fired" saga! There are many stories I could tell about Harold Davis. Stories that would fill a stack of books. Working for him was a pleasant adventure. And because of him I remained a seasonal forest worker for 33 years. He was my mentor, my teacher, and best of all, my friend. A friendship that has lasted since that first day on the mountain. I am saddened by his passing, but know he would tell me to keep the memories warm & fresh. Because of I don't he would probably fire me! Happy trails my very good friend.
Our condolences Knew Davis family when we all lived north of Buford.
Our thoughts and prayers go with you as you deal with the loss of your loved one. Janice Bierman and family
Uncle Harold was a great man, my favorite memory of him is following him around his home and property on Fox Creek Road. He was always quick witted with his stories and he was very proud of what he had. He will be missed.
Dear Davis Family, We extend our sincere condolences to the Davis Family. We were members of a fishing club in Albany with his sister Patti. Harold would join us many times, especially during ice fishing. He was always so kind and full of humor. A great loss to all of the Centennial Valley. Bob & Jimmie Zawacki, CO
So very sorry for your loss from your friends in Tennessee.
Uncle Harold was my friend, family, and special person for nearly all my life, beginning when I was the ring bearer in his and Aunt Mildred's wedding. He was always so fun, so ready to go exploring, to help with a difficult project, or to teach and explain everything I wanted to learn. His passing will leave a huge void in my life and he will be sincerely missed. May he rest in peace reunited with his beloved wife, Mildred (Millie).
Thinking of the Davis families as they celebrate the life of Harold. His pranks, jokes, and tricks made others smile and laugh....especially as he chuckled when he was successful in fooling someone with a prank or, in many cases, confusing them with an unusual request. Albany and Centennial Valley won't be the same without Harold Davis. Prayers and hugs to all the family members?
I knew and worked with Harold for many years on the Medicine Bow NF. Always a gentleman and friend. My prayers and thoughts to the entire Davis family.
Honorable tribute to an impressive man. God bless the Davis clan, each and every one of you.
Tom, Jim and Scott We were sorry to hear about your father. I think that he and Dad are sitting around in heaven talking about their wild hunting trips. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Family of George Rawson
Scott and Kathy, so sorry for your loss. God bless you at this time. Dan and Bonnie Petroski
Sorry for the loss of your father, Tom & Philly.
Tom, Philly, Sean, Kodi Jade, Heidi,& Benny~ We are sorry to hear of your Dad, Grandfather & Great Grandfathers passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the loving memories.
A wonderful man who always had a smile, a piece of wisdom to share, and quick to make you laugh especially with hunting adventures. Harold you will be missed by many. No one will ever know the volume of lives you've impacted, the people you've helped, or the devastation you prevented. Be with God and Millie. Bob & Isabel Waddell